Coin counting machine



April E. J. BRANDT ET AL 2,152,952

COIN COUNTING MA CHINE Filed Feb. 25, 1933 4 SHeetsSheet 1 5770 7 5 5' He /e157" M5557 m I, y away 4x April 93 E. J. BRANDT ET AL 2,152,95

COIN COUNTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 25, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 (i3 07 Mow EJ529210 2 1751 Fez/7 51:?

cm? W April E. J. BRANDT ET AL 2,152,952

COIN COUNTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 25, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 -IIIIIII II II III. II II ll l c Muwvl z EJ575775? 55: FEEL 2 :15: WHFQ FJWZ April 4, 1939. E. J. BRANDT ET AL 2,152,952

COIN COUNTING .MACHINE Filed Feb. '25, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 gfmuow fw E 12/: Brand?" E5. Fsufglzr M 555 572 W %%4 Patented Apr. 4, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COIN COUNTING MACHINE consin Application February 25, 1933, Serial No. 658,596

'7 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in coin counting machines of the general type designed to automatically count either an unlimited or predetermined number of coins of varying denominations.

The invention has primarily for its object to improve machines of the foregoing type, by the provision of an exceedingly simplified structure, which is more accurate and rapid in its operation, and which provides for simultaneously cutting off the supply of coins delivered to the star wheel, and automatically resetting the mechanism for controlling a predetermined number of coins counted, thus setting the machine for another cycle of operation upon manual release of the coins.

Incidental to the foregoing, a more specific object of the invention resides in the provision of a machine having the foregoing characteristics, in which a coin-controlled gate is automatically tripped and closed upon a predetermined number of operations of the star wheel, whereupon the tripping mechanism is automatically reset for another cycle of operation upon manual opening of the gate.

A further object resides in the provision of an exceedingly simple and novel mechanism for determining the number of coins to be counted.

A still further object resides in the provision of simplified means for determining the diameter of coin to be delivered to the star wheel for actuation thereof.

A still further object is to provide adjustable means for controlling the maximum thickness of coin to be delivered to the star wheel.

While the objects of the invention have been generally stated, other objects residing in specific details of construction will be apparent from time to time as the description proceeds.

With the above and other objects in View, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts, substantially as hereinafter described and more particularly defined by the appended claims, it being understood that such changes in the precise embodiment of the herein disclosed invention may be made as come within the scope of the claims.

In the accompanying drawings is illustrated one complete example of the physical embodiment of the present invention constructed according to the best mode so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a transverse section through a coin sorting machine constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, and taken on the line |I of Figure 2.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view, with parts broken away and in section to more clearly illustrate structural details.

Figure 3 is a vertical section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a similar detail section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a detail plan section taken on the line 5--5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary detail section taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 8.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary detail section taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 2.

Figure 8 is a detail section taken on the line 88 of Figure 5, and

Figure 9 is a detail section takenon the line 9-9 of Figure 3.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings, the numeral I designates generally a frame comprising a base plate 2 and a top plate 3, connected by a vertical bracket 4 provided with upper and lower bosses 5 and 6, respectively, which serve as bearings for a depending shaft 1 carried by a centrifugal annular plate 8 rotatably positioned upon the top plate 3 of the frame, and surrounded by a vertical annular guard wall 9, which normally confines the coins delivered to the centrifugal plate. Studs III are secured to the inner face of the guard wall 9 at spaced intervals adjacent the top of the centrifugal plate 8 to agitate the coins deposited upon the plate and thus prevent their bunching and accumulation.

Inasmuch as the coins delivered to the centrifugal plate 8 are discharged therefrom through centrifugal action, the plate 8 is rotated through a worm gear H, meshing with a worm l2 mounted on a transverse shaft l3 journaled in the side arms of the bracket 4. The shaft I3 has secured thereto a pulley I4 having belt connection with a pulley l5 secured to the armature shaft I 6 of a motor l'l mounted on the base.

As best shown in Figure 2, the guard wall 9 is provided with an opening I8 adjacent the forward side of the machine, through which the coins are discharged from the centrifugal plate8. To facilitate discharge of coins from the outer periphery of the centrifugal plate 8, a guard block I9 is secured by screws or other suitable means to the inner face of the guard wall 9 adjacent one side of the opening, and is provided with a nose 20 projecting over the face of the plate 8 to engage coins riding on its outer edge and direct the same through the opening l8. To control the discharge of coins through the opening |8 a gate 2| is pivotally mounted within an elongated recess formed in the guard block I9, as best shown in Figure 2 and is provided with an offset nose 22 adapted to be swung into position between the guard block l9 and the opposite edge of the opening i8 formed in the guard wall, thus blocking the discharge of coins. gate 2| is accomplished by means of a slidable shoe 23 also mounted in the recess formed in the guard block I9, and provided at one end with a pin 24 engaged in a slot 25 formed in the gate 2|. Obviously, reciprocative movement of the shoe 23 will impart oscillatory movement for projecting or retracting the nose 22 of the gate from between the guard block and. one edge of the opening l8. A spring 26, connecting the guard block and shoe, serves to normally urge the nose 22 of the gate to projected, closed position, while retraction of the nose is accomplished by means of a manually operated, lever 21 pivotally connected to the under. side of the top plate 3, and provided with. an upturned end 28,.projecting through the slot 29 in the top. plate 3, and engaging the tail, 30. carried by the sliding shoe 23 and projecting through a slot 3|, formed in the guard wall 9.

In order to control the maximum thickness of coins to be discharged through the opening IS, a bracket 32 is secured to the inner face of the guard, wall 9 adjacent the forward edge of the opening l8. As best shown inFigures 2 and 7, the lower face of the bracket 32,, which is inclined downwardly toward the opening I8, is provided with a dove-tail slot, 33,101' slidable reception of a block 34, which projects across the outer edge of the centrifugal plate 8. Obviously, as the block 34 is reciprocated in the bracket 32, its bottom face will be raisedor lowered with relationto the top face of, the centrifugal plate, thus determining the thickness of coin which can pass under the block into contact with the guard wall 3 where it is engagedby the nose 2|] of the guard.

block I9 and directed through the opening |B..

Adjustment or, reciprocation of the block. 3,4 is obtained by means of? a manually operable lever 35, pivotally connected at its inner end to the bottom of" the top plate 3, and, provided intermediate its ends with.a slot for reception of a pin 36 carried by the guard block 34, and depending through a. slot 3] formed in the top 3, as best shown in Figures 2 and 7 The outer end of the lever 35' is preferably provided with a spring-urged plunger 38 for projection into the recesses 39, formed in the top plate, to latch the lever 35 in its adjusted position. As shown in Figure 2, the top plate may be provided with any suitable indications 4|! designating the denomination ofcoins for which themachine is adjusted. Journaled in the top plate 3, and intermediate the plate 4|, adjacent the rear side of the open.- ing I8, is a shaft 42, which carries astar wheel 43 at its upper end positioned upon the top of the plate 3 in the path of coins discharged through the opening |8. Obviously, as the discharged coins engage the prongs of the star wheel 43, the same will be rotated in a clockwise direction, thus rotatingthe shaft 42, which, through a beveled gear connection 44, actuates aconventional counting mechanism 45 secured to the top plate 3.

Inasmuch-as the momentum of the coins discharged by'centrifugal force through the opening Pivotal movement of they I8 would not be sufiicient to actuate the star wheel 43, a feed wheel 46 is positioned above the path of the coins and is provided with a frictional peripheral face 4i, which engages the coins and forces them past the star wheel, from which point they are discharged into the inclined chute 48 secured to the top plate 3, and projected downwardly therefrom through a. slot 49 formed in the plate, as best shown in Figure 1.

In order to compensate for the feeding of coins of varying thicknesses past the star wheel 43, the feed Wheel 451's mounted on a shaft 53 journaled at its outer end in apivotal bearing 5|, and at its inner end adjacent the star wheel in a floating bearing 5,2, vertically guided in a slotted bracket 53. A springv 54, housed in the cup 55, secured to the top of the bracket 53, creates a downward pressure. upon the bearing 52, thus urging the feed wheel into engagement with the coins, and at the same time permitting vertical movement of the wheel, essential for the desired engagement with coinsof different thicknesses.

The lever 56, pivotally carried by the bracket 53, and engaged by the floating bearing 52, serves to limit the downward movement of the feed wheel, while an adjusting screw 51, carried by the bracket 53 and engaging the tail of the lever 56, serves to adjust the position of the lever, and consequently the feed wheelfll, for coins of different thicknesses. The feed wheel 41 is rotated by means of a pulley 58 secured on the shaft 50 and driven by a belt 59 connected with the pulley 60 mounted on the transverse shaft |3.

Inasmuch as it is essential to hold coins of various sizes in intimate contact with the star wheel 43 for actuation thereof, a plate 6| is slidably mounted on the top plate 3 adjacent one side of the path of travel of the coins and alined transversely with the star wheel 43. Adjustment of the plate 6| with relation to the star wheel 43 is accomplished by a manually operated lever 62 pivotally connected to the bracket. 53 and provided with a pin 53, engaged in a slot formed in the plate, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3. Like the lever 35, the lever 62 is also provided with a spring-urged plunger 53. for projection into the openings 34 formed in the top plate, thus serving to lock the levers 62 in adjusted position. Designations 65 may be provided on the plate 3 to indicate the denomination of coinfor which the plate 6| is adjusted.

Considering now the mechanism for. controlling the number of coins to be countedyand with particular reference to Figure 5; mounted onthe intermediate plate 4| is a stud 66. upon which a grooved hub 61 is journaled. The top of the hub 6'! has secured thereto a toothed wheel 68, and

rotatably mounted on the hub beneath the toothed wheel is an arm 69, the purpose of which will be later described.

Loosely mounted upon the top of the stud 66 for movement independent of the toothed wheel 68', is a spring biased trip lever provided at one of its ends with a cam notch 1| for engagement with a pin 12 carried by the holding dog l3'which normally holds the toothed wheel 68 against reverse movement. A spring 14, connected to the dog, and a bracket holds the nose of the dog into engagement with the teeth of the wheel 68.

The opposite end of the trip lever is provided with I an inclined cam nose I6w for engagement with a rocking lever 11 pivotally carried by the top plate and provided with a bifurcated end 78, which straddles the pivotal lever 21, as best illustrated in Figure 4.

Rotation of the hub 61, and consequently the toothed wheel 68 in one direction, is obtained by means of a coil spring 19, connected to the bracket 15 and wrapped around the groove in the hub 61 with one of its ends secured thereto.

In the normal operation of the machine, a notched wheel 80, secured on the star wheel shaft 42, is provided with a vertically projecting tooth 89, which upon rotation engages one tooth at a time of the toothed wheel, and feeds the same a step forward, in which position the toothed wheel is held by the pawl 13. In order to prevent overrunning of the star wheel means is provided for frictionally latching the same after each actuation. This is accomplished by means of a pivotal dog 8| provided with a nose 82 adapted to normally engage the notches of the wheel 80, as best shown in Figure 5. Also, in order to insure a positive, definite movement of the star wheel upon each actuation, an escapement is provided in the form of a pivoted dog 83, connected to the dog 8| by a link 94. A spring 85, connecting the dogs 83 and SI, serves to normally urge the dogs towards each other, and at the same time to hold the nose 32 into engagement with the notched wheel 89. Obviously, as the notched wheel is rotated, forcing the nose 82 outwardly, the nose of the dog 83 is drawn into engagement with the notched wheel 80, thereby limiting its movement to one notch at a time.

An escapement is also provided'to prevent overrunning of the toothed wheel 68, and insure a positive step-by-step movement. In this instance a pivoted dog 86 is connected to the arm 69 by a link 81, and as best seen in Figure 5, as the notched wheel 89 engages the arm 69, the end of the dog 66 is swung inwardly between the teeth of the wheel 68 to positively limit its movement to one tooth at a time. Aspring 88 connecting the arm 69 with the plate 4|, serves to hold the dog 86 out of engagement with the teeth of the wheel 68 against the stop 89.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that each time the notched wheel, which is actuated by the star wheel, makes a complete revolution, the tooth 89 will engage one of the teeth of the wheel 68 and move the same forward the distance of one tooth, in which position it is held by the dog 13, thus providing a positive, definite step-by-step movement, due tothe fact that over-running of both the star wheel and the toothed wheel 68 is definitely prevented by the escapements heretofore described.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, it will be noted that the toothed wheel 68 carries a pivotal trip lever 90, which, as the toothed wheel is rotated, engages the tail 9| of a spring biased latch arm 92, which engages the gate lever 21 to hold the same in its set or open position. Obviously, when the trip lever 99 engages the tail 9|, the latch arm 92 is actuated, releasing the gate lever 21, which is then actuated by a spring 93 connecting the lever with the top plate 3, causing the sliding shoe to be released, which in turn projects the nose 22 into the path of coins, thereby cutting off the supply to the star wheel 43.

Also, when the gate lever 21 is released, and actuated by the spring 93, the same actuates the rocking lever 11, which engages the cam nose 16 of the latch lever 10, forcing the cam notch 1| under the pin 12, thereby releasing the pawl 13 and permitting the spring 19 to return the toothed wheel to its normal position.

Inasmuch as the number of coins to be counted at one cycle of operation is determined by the distance of movement of the toothed wheel, and the number of step-by-step actuations required before the trip lever 99 engages the tail 9| of the latch arm 92, to cut ofi the supply of coins, an adjustable stop arm 94 ,is rotatably mounted on the lower end of the hub 61, and, as best shown in Figure 6, the projecting lug 95, carried by the hub 61, engages the stop 94 and thereby limits the return movement of the toothed wheel 69 by the spring 19. Adjustment of the stop 94 is obtained by means of a manually operable lever 96 pivotally carried by the intermediate plate 9| and connected with the rotatable stop 94 by a link 96. Obviously, as the stop 94 is swung to different positions, the same will determine the normal position of the toothed wheel, and the distance to be traveled by the trip lever 99 before the latch 92 is released, thus determining the number of step-by-step movements of the star wheel required to stop the counting of coins.

The end of the lever 96 is also provided With a spring-urged plunger 91 adapted to latch the lever in adjusted position on the arcuate plate 96, which is provided with indications designating the number of coins to be counted at each cycle of operation of the machine, as best shown in Figure 5.

In some instances it is desired to obtain a continuous count of an unknown quantity of coins, without the necessity of going through the several cycles of operation of the machine, which requires a manual release of the coin gate for each cycle of operation. To accomplish this, the toothed wheel is provided with a blank space 99, and the adjustable stop 94 is so set that the blank space 99 alines with the notched wheel 89 and the tooth 89, in which instance rotation of the tooth 80' has no effect upon the toothed wheel 68, and therefore no tripping of the coincontrol gate occurs. After the count is completed, the gate can be manually actuated by depressing the spring-held lever H39, which engages the latch arm 92, as best shown in Figure 4, and. thus releases the gate lever 21, in the same manner as when the latch arm is tripped by the member 99.

Here it will also be noted that the trip member 90 is provided with a tail 98', which is engaged by the tooth 89' when the toothed wheel has carried the same into the path of the tooth, thus rocking the trip member to engage the tail 9| of the latch bar 92 to release the gate lever at a predetermined position of the star wheel at all times. It will be noted that the star wheel, which is provided with five pockets, must make one revolution in order to actuate the toothed wheel 68 one notch. Therefore, in the present instance, predetermined count of coins must be in fives, or multiples of fives. However, it will be quite obvious that this can be varied without affecting the principles of the invention.

Considering now the complete operation of the machine, which it is believed will be quite apparent from the foregoing explanation, considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, assuming it is desired to count forty, or $2 worth of nickels at each cycle of operation.

I The lever 62 is first set at the nickel notch, in-

dicated on the top plate 3, which regulates the distance between the star wheel 43 and the guide plate 6| to the desired space for a nickel to eiiectively actuate the star wheel. Next the lever 35 may be set to the nickel notch, which regulates the space between the centrifugal plate 8 and the block 34 to the proper thickness for permitting a nickel to pass therebetween. The lever 96 is ;lever from engagementwiththe pin 12-1 then set at the notch or the plate':98; which. shifts the adjustable stop 94" to such position. that the toothed wheel is fed in a step-by-step movement the desired distance to count forty nickels before the trip member 90 engages the. tail 9 and releases the latch arm 92, which, as:

heretofore explained, projects the nose 22. into the path of. coins and prevents further delivery to the star wheel.

In order to initiate the cycle of operation,.

after the coins have. been deposited upon the centrifugalplate B, the gate lever 2'5 is manually actuated to withdraw the gate 22 fromthe path of the coins, permitting the same to be dis-- charged through the opening I8 by centrifugal force, and fedv past the star wheel by the feed wheel 46. Actuating lever 21 to withdraw the gate 22 also lowers rocking lever (T which permits the spring Illa. of. trip Til to release: the trip 14 then positions holding dog 13 into operative relation with toothed wheel 68. then counted. by the counting mechanism 45, and then discharged into the chute 48;

When forty coins have been counted, and the gate tripped to out off further supply; the latch lever 10 is actuated to release the pawl 13 and permit the spring 79 to return the toothed wheel to its normal position, wherein the lug 95. engages the adjustable stop 94. During the foregoing operation, the discharged coins are: either bagged or packaged, as will be. hereinafter described. The machine is. then set for' another cycle of operation, which is accomplished. by merely actuating the gate lever 27 to withdraw the gate, whereupon another quantity of nickels. is fed past the star wheel.

Asbest shown in Figure 1., coins delivered to the chute 48 are discharged'into a tubular headv llll, from which the coins are delivered to a bag or any other desired receptacle. When a bagi's' employed, the mouth of the bagv is drawn over. the lateral projections H12, andiin order to lock the same upon the head, a plunger H73, slidably mounted, in the boss Hi4, carried by the head; is forced downwardly to engage and clamp one-edge; of the bag on the corresponding boss I02. This is accomplished by a pivotal cam lever H35; which engages the upper endv of the plunger [03, and". locks the same in projected position. When re-- leased, the plunger is returned to' its normal; raised position by a spring I06.

Insome instances it is desired to package the coins in the usual paper tube. Therefore means is provided for attaching the tube holder I01 to the head IGI, wherein the upper end ofthe holder is inserted into the head and releasably held by a spring-urged plunger 108' projecting through one of the bosses 102' and engagingan opening in the holder.

The lower end of the holder is restricted to the size of coin to be packaged, and in operation itis merely necessary to insert the paper tube over the lower end of the holder until the desired number of coins have been counted. The holder and coinsare then removed, and for convenience the ends of the package may be crimped or turned in by acrimping head 599, which is detachably connected to the end of a shaft Hi3 journaled' in the frame and operatively connected with. the shaft 13 through the beveledgears l H. Inasmuch. as each size of coin requires a different sized paper. tube,

the holder H32- and the crimping head lfittmay be quickly replaced, as desired.

From the foregoing explanation it will be-quite' Spring" Each coin is.

apparentthatan exceedingly: simple, rapid, and accurate" coin counting machine has been provided; whiclr can be readily accommodated to handle coins of any denomination, and to count either a predetermined number of coins at each cycle: ofl operation, or an unknownquantity. Particular: attention isdirect'edtothe mechanism for determiningithe predetermined number of coins to be counted,.wlierein the operation is positive, and:' resetting is automatic instead of requiring a manual I resetting commonly employed heretofore.

l". Ina coincounting machine; a hopper having a discharge opening, means for discharging the coins"through theopening, a star wheel positioned relative to th'e opening andzad'apted for operation by contactlofithe' coins,.a'-.pivoted gate, and a slidable-mem'ber for operating said gate to position the samesinmn out otthepath of movement of the coinsxdischarged t-hrougli thehopper opening.

2. In arc'oin counting machine,.a hopper having a dischargezopening;meansfor discharging coins throughzth'e opening; a star wheel positioned relative to. the opening. and adaptedfor operation by contact of thecoins, a. pivoted gate, a slidable membicr conn'ected toisaid pivoted gate, means for operatingasaidislid'able :member for positioning the gate outof the-pathof movement of the coins discharged: through the hopper opening, and means for automatically releasing said operating means torpermit: operation of the slidable member to position. the gate in: the'patn of movement of the coins dlschargedithrough thehopper opening.

3; In.acoinzc'ountingfmachine, a hopper having a discharge opening-,a star wheel positioned relative to: the. opening: and adapted foroperation by contact of." the ooinsya pivoted gate, a slidable memberconnected to the-pi-voted gate and having al'ateral proj'ection,. a member adapted for engagement with said latera'l projection to move the slid'able member toposition-tlie pivoted gate out of the path of movement of coins discharged through the hopper opening, and means for releasing said member which engages the lateral projection to" permit operation of the slidable memberto position the pivotedgate in the path of movement of the coinsdischa ged through the h pp penin 4'. Ina coin counting machine, a hopper having a discharge-opening; means for discharging coins through-the opening, a'star'wheel positioned relative-to the'opening and adapted for operation by contact of the coins, a pivoted gate, a slidable member connected to the gate and adapted to operate thesajme, .rn'eanjs'for normally holding the slidab'le'membb to position the gate out of the path of movementoi' coins discharged through the hopper opening; m'eans'operable by the star Wheel for" counting. the discharged coins, and means operable" by the counting mechanism for releasin'g'the sli'dable member toposition the gate in the path of movement of coins discharged through the hopper opening,

5. Ina coincountingm'achine; a hopper having a discharge-opening; means-iordischarging coins through the opening, a star wheelpositioned relative to the openingand adapted for operation by contactof the coins-,- a pivoted gate, a slidable member connected to' the' gate and adapted to operatethesame; means for normally holding the sudable memb'er to" position the gate out of the path oi'movem'entrof coins discharged through the hopper opening; means-operable by the star wheel for! countingthe discharged' coins,- means operable by. thercounting:mechanismifor releasing the slidable member to position the gate in the path of movement of coins discharged through the hopper opening, and means for automatically resetting the counting mechanism for another cycle of operation.

6. In a coin counting machine, a hopper having a discharge opening, means for discharging coins through the opening, a star wheel positioned relative to the opening and adapted for operation by contact of the coins, a pivoted gate, a slidable member connected to the gate and adapted to operate the same, means including a latch arm for normally holding the slidable member to position the gate out of the path of movement of coins discharged through the hopper opening, means operable by the star wheel for counting the discharged coins, means operable by the counting mechanism for releasing the latch arm and releasing the slidable member to position the gate in the path of movement of coins discharged through the hopper opening, and means for automatically resetting the counting mechanism for another cycle of operation.

7. In a coin counting machine, a hopper having a discharge opening, means for discharging coins through the opening, a star wheel positioned relative to the opening and adapted for operation by contact of the coins, a pivoted gate, a slidable member connected to the gate and adapted to operate the same, means including a latch arm for normally holding the slidable member to position the gate out of the path of movement of coins discharged through the hopper opening, means operable by the star wheel for counting the discharged coins, means operable by the counting mechanism for releasing the latch arm and releasing the slidable member to position the gate in the path of movement of coins discharged through the hopper opening,

and means operable by the release of the latch arm for automatically resetting the counting mechanism for another cycle of operation.

EDWARD J. BRANDT. EDWARD G. REUTELER. WALTER A. BARGANZ. 

